Grass-board.



Patented Sept. ll, I900.

F. F. PARK.

6 B A S S B 0 A R D {Application filed Mar. 26, 1900.)

(No Mo'dcL;

UNr'rnD STATES PATENT OFFICE.

FRANKLIN F. PARK, OF NEW CASTLE, COLORADO.

GRASS-BOARD.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 657.88 September 11, 1900- Application filed March 26, 1900. Serial No. 10.216. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, FRANKLIN F. PARK, a citizen of the United States, residing at New Castle, in the county of Garfield and State of Colorado, have invented new and useful Improvements in Grass-Boards, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to grass-boards of the style used on field-mowers, and has for its object to provide a grass-board of this description which can readily pass under an obstacle, such as a mass of fallen grain, and offer a minimum of resistance in so doing. Itwill also obviate the danger of breaking or otherwise in j uring the grass-sticks with which these grass-boards are usually provided, all

of which will be more fully hereinafter set forth and described.

In the drawings which accompany this specification, and of which they form a part, Figure l is a detailed perspective showing my improved grass-board attached to a cutterbar of ordinary construction. Fig. 2 is a side elevation of same with parts broken away. Fig. 3 is a plan view.

Like numerals of reference denote like parts wherever they occur in the different views.

In the drawings, 1 denotes a board of suitable shape, which may be constructed of any material and fitted at one end with a metallic divider-point 2. Sleeves 3 are pivoted on pintles 4, and studs 5, projecting from sleeves 3, are integral therewith. These serve as attachments for springs 6. Springs 6 are secured to studs 5 at one end and to housings 7 at the other end. These springs may be of any suitable construction, and I may use any other kind of spring with appropriate attachments. The function of these springs is to permit grass-sticks 8, fitted in sleeves 3, to be depressed when passing under any weight and to return the grass-sticks to their normal position afterward. Housings 7, secured to 1 by bolts 9, prevent grass from becoming entangled in springs 6. Fastened to housings 7 are tension-screws 10, by which the tension of springs 6 can be regulated. A heavy metallic spring 11 is secured by bolts 12 to board 1. One end of spring 11 remains free to make it more flexible. This spring is stifi enough to support the weight of the cutterbar under normal conditions, thus acting as a shoe; but it is also flexible enough to permit being depressed by the accumulation of any undue quantity of grass on the grassboard, and thus enable the board to assume a horizontal position and slide from under the load. V

When in use, my improved device is attached to the end of a cutter-bar of ordinary construction. It is especially adapted for use in fallen grain or heavy alfalfa.

I do not wish to be limited as to details or material of construction, for I may change these in many particulars and still retain all the merits of my invention.

Having thus fully described my invention, what I claim, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. In a grass-divider, the combination of a board, grass-sticks fitted in sleeves pivoted at one end to the board, housings covering the pivoted ends of said sleeve, and springs at tached to the sleeves and housings to restore said grass-sticks to their normal position after being depressed, said springs being covered by the housings, substantially as described.

2. In a grass-divider, the combination of a board, grass-sticks fitted in sleeves pivoted at one end to the board, springs attached to the sleeves, tension-screws for regulating the tension of said springs, and housings protecting the springs, the springs being secured thereto, substantially as described.

3. In a grass-divider, the combination of a board, grass-sticks fitted in sleeves pivoted to the board, housings, springs for actuating the grass-sticks said springs being protected by the housings, tension-screws for regulating the tension of the springs, and a heavy spring secured to the board to act as a shoe, substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand in presence of two subscribing witnessess.

FRANKLIN F. PARK.

Witnesses:

C. W. SOHMUESE, lVIAX L. SCHAYER. 

